DOJ Suffers Major Setback as Court Blocks Evidence in Renewed Case Against James Comey

In a stunning legal development, the Justice Department has once again been forced to confront major obstacles in its long-running effort to bring charges against former FBI Director James Comey. This week, a federal court issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) preventing Attorney General Pam Bondi’s DOJ from using key evidence in their second attempt to indict Comey.

According to the ruling, the judge expressed serious concerns about how the evidence was obtained and retained, raising the possibility of Fourth Amendment issues involving improper collection or storage. For prosecutors, this represents a significant blow — especially because the case had only recently been revived after an earlier dismissal.

A Pattern of Problems for the DOJ

This new setback does not stand alone. It follows closely after another major judicial rebuke, when the initial indictments against James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James were dismissed.

In that earlier ruling, the court found that the prosecutor handling the cases had been illegally appointed, a clear procedural violation that invalidated the indictments. But the judge went further, citing a “disturbing pattern of profound investigative missteps,” including errors in evidence handling, case oversight, and investigative conduct.

That earlier dismissal raised immediate questions about management inside the Department of Justice, but the latest TRO amplifies those concerns even more sharply. Together, the rulings paint a picture of an agency struggling with both legal compliance and internal discipline.

Why the Evidence Is Being Blocked

The TRO specifically prevents the DOJ from introducing certain disputed materials while the court examines:

Whether the evidence was collected legally

Whether investigators properly retained and documented it

Whether any constitutional rights were violated

Whether the evidence should be permanently suppressed

The judge emphasized that the government must demonstrate full compliance with constitutional standards before the evidence can be used in court — a high bar given the earlier investigative issues identified by the court.

What This Means for the DOJ’s Case Going Forward

The DOJ still has the option to pursue charges, but the path has become significantly more complicated. The court’s message is clear: legal shortcuts will not be tolerated, especially in politically sensitive cases.

Here’s what this latest ruling suggests:

The DOJ’s credibility has taken a hit.
Two major judicial reprimands in a short period make future filings vulnerable to scrutiny.

Refiling the case will be difficult.
Even if prosecutors repair the procedural errors, the earlier investigative problems may still weaken the government’s arguments.

Evidence battles will define the future of the case.
Without the blocked evidence, prosecutors may not have enough material to move forward.

Institutional reform may be unavoidable.
Repeated missteps suggest deeper issues inside the department, not isolated mistakes.

A Blow to the DOJ’s Public Image

Regardless of the legal outcome, this moment represents a major public setback. The DOJ has emphasized accountability and independence, yet the courts are now calling attention to serious issues inside the department — issues that risk undermining public trust.

Instead of moving forward confidently with a renewed prosecution, the DOJ is now forced to defend its own conduct, correct internal procedural failures, and rebuild credibility in and outside the courtroom.

What to Watch Next

In the coming weeks, the following will shape the next chapter:

Whether the DOJ can prove the contested evidence was obtained legally

Whether the TRO is lifted or becomes a longer-term block

How the department responds to the judge’s criticisms

Whether prosecutors choose to attempt a third filing — or walk away entirely

One thing is certain: this case is no longer simply about James Comey.
It has become a referendum on the DOJ itself.